If you live in the U.S., there's a solid chance that you have either driven or owned a Ford F-150. The venerable Ford F-Series has been in continuous production for more than 6 decades, and has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for the last 30 consecutive years. For the most current model, Ford has placed increased emphasis on the cabin of the F-150, slathering it in high-grade materials and controls. With an increasingly competitive field quietly catching up to the F-150's tailgate, it still retains the crown of the best full-size pickup truck. If we were to choose only one truck for our stable, the F-150 would be it.

Introduction

Today's 2013 model, ranging in price and features from the bargain-basement $24,295 Regular Cab XL work truck to the fully-loaded $46,870 4x4 SuperCrew SVT Raptor, now faces some stiff competition. GM's stoutly built full-size twins, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, nip at the F-150's heels every year when combining their sales. The RAM 1500 offers comparable features and more aggressive styling, and thanks to generous rebates can usually be had for thousands less. The Toyota Tundra andNissan Titan do not see the sales numbers or constant updates of the Americans, but Toyota and Nissan have captured the attentions of more frugal buyers with the smaller, easier- to-park Tacoma andFrontier.

While some competing models are strapped with outdated interiors with lower-quality materials, Ford's focus on In-Car Technology and luxury shines through, even at the lower trim levels (read more in Ford’s In-Car Technology Guide). But Ford trucks are all about years of servitude without so much as a complaint, with scores of older gems now counting their mileage in the hundreds of thousands. Fuel efficiency has improved considerably, especially with the outstanding EcoBoost V6 engine.

When shopping for a full-size truck, you may find that another manufacturer’s offerings appeals to you more for one reason or another, but give the Ford F-150 a test drive. You owe it to yourself to see what everyone's been raving about since 1948, when the first humble F-Series lumbered off of the assembly line.

Which Style To Buy?

2013 Ford F-150 XL

Recommended for: Truck shoppers that want all the attributes of a truck, but don't necessarily want to spend thousands on options that they really don't want or need

The most inexpensive choice in the 2013 F-150 stable, the base XL still comes well-equipped. Available in Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew styles and in three bed lengths, the XL comes with easy-to-clean vinyl seats, an AM/FM stereo and air conditioning, along with key safety features like stability control and side-curtain airbags. The 3.7-liter V6 comes standard, while the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and 5.0-liter V8 are optional. The XL is your classic work truck: basic features at a low price.

2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Recommended for: Truck Buyers who are hardcore enthusiasts who want their truck to do everything, and do it in the fastest most powerful way possible

The SVT Raptor separates itself from every other pickup on the market with world- class off-road prowess direct from the factory. FOX racing shocks, cast-aluminum SVT control arms, standard 4WD, 35-inch all-terrain tires and a Torsen front differential head a long list of upgrades for true go-anywhere capability. New for 2013, an industry-first beadlock wheel system secures tires from separating from the rim, while the Raptor also now receives standard HID headlamps, SYNC with MyFord Touch and a new camo paint option. Coming standard with the 6.2-liter V8 engine, the SVT model receives a full body makeover to hint at the performance potential underneath.

2013 Ford F-150 XLT

Recommended for: If you'd like a few more creature comforts without breaking the bank, the cruise control-equipped XLT might be the right trim for you

With its chrome bumpers, grille, and wheels and standard fog lamps, the XLT has a more commanding visual presence. Standard features include Ford SYNC infotainment with SYNC AppLink, remote keyless entry, auto on/off headlamps, and one-touch power driver/passenger windows. The XLT can be ordered in any of the three cab styles and three bed lengths, with the V6, EcoBoost V6 or either V8 engine.

2013 Ford F-150 FX4

Recommended for: Those who need to tow all their big-boy toys, i.e., Boats, SeaDoos, ATVs, multiple motorcycles and/or trailers and want to do so in luxury

The FX4 picks up where the FX2 left off as a sportier choice with luxury and convenience features geared toward being a great daily driver along with a workhorse. SYNC with AppLink is standard, while MyFord Touch and a Sony premium audio system are optional. Front bucket seats, trimmed in cloth or leather, open up space for a redesigned flow-through center console. An electronic locking rear differential joins the mix, complemented by an available electronic shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system. The FX4 comes in the same cab, bed and engine configurations as the FX2.

2013 Ford F-150 King Ranch

Recommended for: Buyers who want a truck that stands out in a sea of F-150s, and dream of a comfortable, unique interior that's so inviting it will help them get out of bed in the morning

Available only in the SuperCrew cab style and with either 5 1Å½2' or 6 1Å½2' bed lengths, the King Ranch themed trim level outfits Ford's capable truck will all the comfort and suppleness of a fine leather saddle. Available two-tone exterior paint, Pale Adobe exterior running boards join an awe-inspiring outdoor-themed interior decked out in soft Chaparral leather. The King Ranch comes with either the 5.0-liter V8 or EcoBoost V6.

2013 Ford F-150 Lariat

Recommended for: Drivers who pine for only the best. The Lariat rewards its owner with premium features never before found on a truck of this caliber

Think of the Lariat trim level as the classic work truck, only moreso. A power- adjustable leather-trimmed 40/20/40 heated front bench seat, power-adjustable memory pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control and power-sliding rear privacy glass join other features focused on getting the job done while enjoying maximum comfort. Note that SYNC does not come standard, though the upgraded SYNC with MyFord Touch is optional. 4X4 models come with a two-speed four-wheel drive system. The Lariat comes in SuperCab and SuperCrew, with the 5.0-liter V8, EcoBoost V6 or 6.2-liter V8 engine.

2013 Ford F-150 Limited

Recommended for: True Ford lovers who demand nothing less than the absolute best

The top-of-the-line F-150 Limited is all-new for 2013. The Limited comes in one configuration: a SuperCrew with the 5 1Å½2-foot box and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Exclusive 22-inch polished aluminum wheels and chrome three-bar grille and body-color side mirror skull caps lend an air of luxury and authority. The interior starts with copious use of red and black two-tone full-grain leather, adding in heated and cooled memory seats, ambient lighting, a moonroof, standard SYNC with MyFord Touch and navigation, HID headlamps, power running boards and much, much more.

2013 Ford F-150 Platinum

Recommended for: Truck buyers who want every performance and luxury option in the book, yet prefer the understated looks of the Platinum to the more eye-catching Raptor and Harley Davidson

The F-150 Platinum will not leave you wanting for luxury. Body-color front and rear bumpers and front fascia go with a Platinum-exclusive satin-finish grille, tasteful chrome accents and 20-inch polished cast aluminum wheels for a more understated, classy look, made better still by leather and wood grain interior trim. A rearview camera comes standard, along with SYNC with MyFord Touch and heated front and rear seats. The Platinum comes exclusively as a SuperCrew, with the 5.0-liter V8 standard and the 6.2-liter V8 and EcoBoost engines optional.

2013 Ford F-150 STX

For a small step up in price, the STX adds visual flair with body-color bumpers and 17-inch alloy wheels, and an upgraded interior with cloth seating surfaces instead of vinyl. Ford adds cruise control, the MyKey smart key system, the SecuriLock anti-theft system, and an AM/FM CD player with optional satellite radio. The STX is available in Regular and SuperCab configurations with a 6 1/2-foot box, and with either the 3.7-liter V6 or 5.0-liter V8 engine.

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